A bit late in posting today – but I’m totally blaming it on the weather. Snow has arrived and since we rarely get any here it’s all I can think about at the moment. I can’t wait to get outside with the camera tomorrow. Have a great weekend everyone!
Left to Right: stacks of cotton paper, large roll of Geami paper – our preferred packaging material, stack of cardboard shipping boxes
Last summer, we had a couple come to us and request that their invitations reflect the scenery of their wedding location by including a single large pine tree. Always happy to take on the challenge of a custom job, I was eager to accommodate their wishes. Honestly, I was a bit surprised that this was the first time a pine tree had been requested by a client (you know, given all that wood you see on our website!).
Before I began working on the new illustration, I searched around a little bit online in order to study photos of actual pine trees. It wasn’t long before I realized I didn’t have to look very hard at all though. Here in North Carolina, there never seems to be a lack of pine trees. Just a quick glance out of a window around here will reveal quite a few nearby. Really, they are everywhere and so are their needles; but it’s okay because their silhouettes against the setting sun are quite a lovely sight.
To further enhance the woodsy feel of the invitation set, the couple chose to use walnut wood for the invite. A warm chocolate brown ink was used for the text and a pop of color was added by the use of olive ink. To wrap it all up and create a cohesive feel, ecru cotton paper was selected for the paper elements.
Curious about our custom design process? Just send us an e-mail or visit our process page for more details.
Happy Monday everyone! As part of keeping this blog regularly updated (yes, really, multiple posts in a month – let alone a week), I will be posting more inspiration boards like this one on a monthly basis. Enjoy!
Clockwise from top left: 1. silver vine earrings from MD Sparks – I love the little hint of texture and the asymmetrical placement of the leaves. 2. Diana wedding gown by Vera Wang - It’s not very often that I stumble across a wedding dress that I absolutely adore, but this one has definitely tugged on my heartstrings. 3. silk bouqet sash from J. Crew – Feminine yet not too frilly. 4. photo titled “Softly” by Lori H. – Nice dreamy atmosphere… 5. satin stack rings from Stormy Sky – I’ve always had a soft spot for hammered silver. 6. painting titled “The White Calico Flower” by Georgia O’Keeffe, as seen here – I’m nearing the end of a biography on O’Keeffe that I have been reading, so it’s only natural that she is on my mind.
We thought it would be fun to start posting a few photos from around the studio. Despite any lazy blogging habits of the past, the plan is to continue with this every Friday. Who knows what will show up – just whatever looked interesting through the viewfinder that week. Be sure to stop by again for a little peek!
Clockwise from top left: a printer in his natural habitat, close-up of ink knife and ink, close-up of the sucker bar on a Heidelberg Windmill
P.S. Be very glad I went with black and white. Otherwise, that photo of the ink looks more like a scene out of a horror film rather than a press room.
Occasionally, we have clients who are concerned about the potential of uninvited or unaccounted for guests. Traditionally, the names of invited guests are written on the invitation envelope and it is assumed that only those invited will make an appearance at the wedding. Yes, you heard me, it is assumed that people know the proper etiquette and would not think twice about bringing an uninvited guest without asking first. Easy enough and makes sense in my opinion, but sometimes this is just not the case. While some may not see a problem with showing up uninvited, it can cause quite a few issues. In some cases, it can even create a financial problem. Take for instance the issue of food. It’s good to keep in mind that unexpected guests can equal an unexpected catering bill at the end of the evening for the newly married couple. (Not exactly the sort of wedding gift anyone has in mind.)
If the threat of uninvited guests is a concern to you, there are ways to approach it without (hopefully) offending anyone. As stated previously, the envelope is the place to list the names of those invited. Don’t be afraid to be specific. When children are included, their names can be written below their parents’ names or if preferred, the term “and family” can be used. If including an inner envelope, then list each name on it instead. If inviting a single friend or relative and you wish for them to have the opportunity to bring someone along, then simply state “and guest” after their name.
To go a step further, some like to include very specific information on the reply card. If you need to keep a tight rein on the head count, you can include something similar to the following: “we have reserved ___ seats in your honor” or perhaps, “___ seats have been reserved for you.” In either case, you would fill in the blank with the number of guests invited individually on each reply card.
Similarly, you can use something like this: “___ of ___ guests will be attending.” In this case, you fill in the second line ahead of time, and the guest fills in the first line before returning the card to you. For example, upon completion by both parties, it would read something like this: “1 of 2 guests will be attending.”
You can also be a little more direct in finding out how many guests will be attending with something along these lines: “There are ___ guests in our party that will be attending.” Or you can write out several options and simply leave them a place to check by the appropriate number.
To find out the number attending the ceremony versus reception, try something like this:
“Number attending ceremony ___ Number attending reception ___”
Any of these suggestions can be mixed and matched or reworded to suit your specific needs. While this sort of reply card wording may be a little less traditional, it will hopefully help create a few less headaches down the road.
Happy new year everyone! Yes, we know, it’s been very quiet around here. What better way to break the silence than by announcing this sweet little deal? As stated above, we are offering free letterpress place cards or favor tags to anyone who orders 50 or more wedding invitation sets between now and Valentine’s Day. To clarify, a set must consist of an invite (in wood or paper), plus an outer envelope and at least one insert. In return, those who qualify will receive coordinating paper place cards or favor tags that are letterpress printed with a motif. As long as the same design is printed on each card, there is no problem. Please note that individual guest names can not be printed on each card.
We are happy to print the number you need up to double the amount of invitation sets ordered. For instance, if you order 100 sets, then you may receive up to 200 free place cards or favor tags. If you need more than 200, then a fee will be incurred. Also, cards may be flat, folded, or have a hole in them – whatever suits your needs!
If you have any questions at all, please let us know. Enjoy!
